Paradigm’s Dr. Jeff Nalin was interviewed on Fox recently. He spoke about cellphone addiction and why the no-devices rule at Paradigm is beneficial. He said during the interview that although some people panic a bit when it comes to giving up their devices during treatment, the overwhelming response that they get after a week is a sense of relief.

Do You Have a Cellphone Addiction?

Are you addicted to your smartphone? Many of us are; we tend to keep it with us at all times and some people even experience panic and withdrawal symptoms when forced to leave the phone behind. Imagine leaving for work and realizing 15 minutes into your commute that you have forgotten your phone. Do you turn around to get it? If you answered yes without hesitation, you just might be a bit too dependent on your phone!

What Are the Benefits of Unplugging?

Here are some of the benefits to unplugging:

Better interaction with others: You can spend time with other people and really focus on the present rather than worrying about who just texted you or mindlessly scrolling through your phone during a lull in the conversation.

Less distraction: You might find that you’re much more productive and able to get things done when your phone is not within an arm’s reach.

More time for personal reflection: Smartphones don’t only distract us from work and relationships with others but also from time reflecting on the day and coming up with solutions to problems.

Tips to Unplug

It can be hard to put the phone away if you’re accustomed to having it on your person at all times. Here are a few tips to help you unplug.

Try scheduling a block of time each week where you turn off your phone or leave it at home while you go out.

Make meals “phone-free zones,” where you focus on the people you’re with.

Consider charging your phone overnight in the kitchen or your home office rather than in your bedroom. That can result in better sleep, which is a great side benefit!